Truly, gaming is an activity for everyone. Whether you are a casual gamer, content streamer, or aspiring pro, the world of gaming is vast and welcoming to anyone with a competitive spirit and thirst for victory. There are a variety of mobile games available such as the popular Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and the latest Pokemon Unite, and its accessibility makes it easy for anyone to enjoy playing.

For some, it has even turned into a profitable, professional career as the local eSports industry continues to grow big every year.

Big brands are also seeing opportunities in eSports. As one of the preferred smartphone choices of gamers and gaming enthusiasts, OPPO saw fit to extend its support to this growing community with an eSports program in partnership with Mineski. Together, it has participated in several mobile gaming tournaments.

''OPPO is currently running a campaign with Mineski called the OPPO Game On. This campaign not only aims to expand the company's market footprint into eSports and gaming in the Philippines, but it also enables us to reach out to more aspiring pro players, budding gaming content creators, and even those casual gaming enthusiasts,'' said OPPO Vice President for National Sales Zen Han. ''This partnership is a two-way learning experience. We are learning how fast this industry is growing and continuously thriving despite the current global crisis. While in return, Mineski and the gaming community in the Philippines are also working together to help cultivate fresh gaming talents that may one day carry the PH flag into the global eSports arena.''

OPPO Game On Ambassadors include pro gaming team Blacklist International along with long-time gamers and popular streamers Shaira Ortile, Dannica Suazo, and Eric ''Eruption'' Tai.

Avid gamers and content creators Shaira Ortile or Shai Onyx, Dannica Suazo, and Eric ''Eruption'' Tai shared how they got into gaming. According to Onyx, ''Gaming makes me happy. I decided to become a gamer when I enjoyed playing games and realized that I wanted to master all the games that I was playing.''

Meanwhile, the world of gaming appealed to Suazo since she gets to try different modes and the challenge is different for every game. Tai explained that his life has always revolved around sports and gaming since he is truly competitive. ''Command and conquer runs in the blood," he shared.

To help budding gamers get a foot in the door, pro league gamers and current Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League champions Danerie ''Wise'' Del Rosario and Johnmar ''OhMyV33nus'' Villaluna from Blacklist International are also talking about how they got into eSports and what it takes to win games.

How to start a career in eSports

Video games bring gamers into a whole new world where they get to be their own hero and write their own stories. For online multiplayer games, it is also a way for people to connect and socialize at the height of community restrictions. This is likely why gaming has seen a big increase when the health crisis started as people turned to games to stay engaged or entertained.

Suazo shared that being at home gave her the idea to start a career in gaming, ''First it was just for fun, nag-try lang ako mag-livestream dahil wala din akong ginagawa araw-araw,'' she said. ''[For those who want to turn pro], advice ko lang is continue doing what you love and what makes you happy because that is the most important thing 'pag pumasok ka sa gaming community,''
(First, it was just for fun, I tried to do a livestream because I was not doing anything every day. For those who want to turn pro, my advice is to continue doing what you love and what makes you happy because that is the most important thing when you enter the gaming community.)

''My advice to aspiring gamers is to never believe in anyone but yourself! If you feel that you have what it takes to be a streamer, gamer, or even a pro, always do your research and execute. Practice, practice, practice,'' said Tai.

According to pro gamer Del Rosario, those who want to start a career in eSports need to grab every opportunity available because it does not come often.''Hayaan n'yo matuto kayo sa mga pagkatalo kasi isa 'yon sa mga kailangan para manalo. 'Wag na 'wag kayong susuko kung talagang passion n'yo mag-start ng career in eSports.''
(Learn from your losses because those are necessary to eventually win. Never give up if your passion is to truly start a career in eSports.)

You also do not have to start big. Most success stories have very humble beginnings like Villaluna who started his career competing in barangays and computer shops before he started playing MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games. This journey led him to gain experiences and skills, which he is continuing to nurture until now.

''I feel happy, of course, kasi passion ko ang gaming. It is a dream na nakamit ko na ngayon at willing ako mag-stay sa eSports as long as alam kong nabibigay ko pa 'yung best ko. Even when may times na natatalo, isa lang 'yung parte ng journey as a Pro Player. Kahit may point na mahirap 'yung game, nae-enjoy ko pa rin siya syempre, mas masarap sa feeling kapag nananalo na due to all the hard work during our practices,'' shared Villaluna.
(I feel happy because gaming is my passion. It is a dream that I have achieved now and I am willing to stay in eSports as long as I know I can still give my best. Even when there are times that you lose, it is just one part of the journey as a Pro Player. Even though there are times when the game is difficult, I still enjoyed it. Of course, it felt better when we win due to all the hard work during our practices.)

How to win in online games

While every gamer swears by their own winning strategies, for those just getting into the industry, it can help to hear how pro gamers are winning battles.

"Find your teammates, choose what game you are good at, build teamwork, listen to your teammates' opinion, and form strategies that will get you victory," said Onyx when asked about five important things in her game plan.

Suazo shared that focus, teamwork, listening to teammates, good communication, and always enjoying the game is her strategy for winning online battles. As for Tai, always keeping up to date with the current meta, researching heroes and strategies, watching other pro streamers, seeking advice from better players, execution, practice, and grinding hard is what helps him win games.

''Syempre kung gusto mo manalo, dapat masipag ka. Hindi puwedeng petiks ka lang tapos gusto mo manalo na lang bigla. Lahat ng pro player ngayon pinagdadaanan pa rin 'yung ilang oras na training araw-araw para mag-improve pa. Second is focus ka sa goal mo, set your goal para everyday ka namo-motivate,'' said Del Rosario. 'Pangatlo naman siguro is teamwork. Sa MOBA games kasi usually maglalaro kayo as a team, dapat magkaka-close kayo para mabuo rin 'yung chemistry kasi hanggang game, madadala n'yo rin 'yun.''
(If you want to win, you have to work hard. You cannot be lazy and expect to win. All pro players today still go through hours of training every day to improve. The second is just focus on your goal, set your goal so that you are motivated every day. The third is teamwork. In MOBA games, you usually play as a team, you have to be close to each other to develop the chemistry because you will bring that in games.)

Villaluna added that apart from discipline, what he practices the most is a strong mental fortitude in every game. As Team Captain, he needs to rally the members to fight even when it feels like they are losing the game.

How to pick a good gaming phone

''A good device is very important because it can affect your gameplay. It helps me cast my skills properly,'' explained Onyx. Suazo said that she is looking for a gaming phone that has a good battery life since it is a hassle if it drains quickly.

For gamers, a smooth working phone is important, especially during a clash. Del Rosario said that since he is the 'hypercarry' or the late-game damage dealer of the team, he cannot die because of a lagging phone or if the game crashes. The quality of your device will help you practice and stay motivated, he added.

''In our day and age, especially in my field with the majority [into] mobile gaming, I use OPPO phones because they are not only the best in regards to gaming but also with its camera and video features. 2 birds, 1 stone! Gamer na, Vlogger pa,'' shared Tai.
[The phone can help me not only be a gamer but a vlogger as well.]

OPPO continues its support for eSports with the launch of the newest smartphone specially made for budding gamers, the latest in the Reno Series – the Reno6 5G.

The Reno6 5G is powered by today's 5G technology, promising a fast and enjoyable experience. The gaming smartphone also includes features like Quick Startup, 6.43'' AMOLED Screen, 90Hz refresh rate, Game Focus Mode, and HyperBoost 4.0 to suit every gamer's lifestyle. It supports a smart gaming experience, backed with the latest AI gaming innovations.

For gaming streamers, OPPO Reno6 5G has an AI triple camera setup with a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultra wide-angle camera, and 2MP macro camera. It also has a 32MP selfie camera, color temperature sensor, and the Android 11-based OS, ColorOS 11.3. Plus, it is powered by a 4300mAh battery, the latest flash charge solution 65W SuperVOOC 2.0, MediaTek Dimensity 900, 8GB RAM, and 128GB of storage. Above all, it is a 5G-capable device that promises fast connectivity any time of the day.

OPPO Reno6 5G supports smart gaming experience, backed with latest AI gaming innovations.Photo source: OPPO

OPPO Reno6 5G supports smart gaming experience, backed with latest AI gaming innovations.Photo source: OPPO

OPPO Reno6 5G supports smart gaming experience, backed with latest AI gaming innovations.Photo source: OPPO

OPPO Reno6 5G supports smart gaming experience, backed with latest AI gaming innovations.Photo source: OPPO

Villaluna said that OPPO Reno6 5G's Gaming Assistant feature helps him focus on winning the game. "Puwede na i-block ang incoming notifications sa phone na nakaka-disturb during the practice or even mismong games sa tournament," he shared. He also likes the fact that there is a gaming device with good features at a reasonable price.
(It is now possible to block incoming notifications that can disturb practice sessions or even tournament games.)

''It is important for casual gamers to have a good performing device partner. We built the Reno6 Series specifically to address the needs of casual mobile gamers. From the long battery life to an undisrupted gaming experience programmed to suit the needs of casual gamers, all these features are packed to enable mobile gamers to fully enjoy their gaming experience,'' said Han. ''Additionally, for gaming content creators, it is essential to have the best equipment so they can properly showcase their skills as well as provide their audience the best viewing experience.''

According to Han, the company aims to balance the demands of every user, particularly gamers, while providing competitive pricing. It wants to provide customers with a low-priced smartphone equipped with gaming and performance features that are similar to the ones sold at high prices while offering freedom, mobility, and a high-powered gaming experience.

''With our smartphones, aspiring gamers and casual gaming enthusiasts have an opportunity to hone their skills and have longer hours of practice because they have a reliable and powerful partner that is able to keep up with their needs. They also get to enjoy undisrupted gaming which is essential, especially when they are in the middle of a battle,'' he added.

Starting November 5 to 10, grab the chance to enjoy up to P400 vouchers and P1,000 discounts from the official OPPO store in Shopee and Lazada. There will also be special Shopee and Lazada Livestreams where more prizes, coins, Reno5 Series vouchers, and up to P1,000 off vouchers will be given away.

As a special treat on the 11.11 OPPO Mega Brand Day Sale via Shopee and Lazada, avail up to 56% off on your fave OPPO smart devices including theReno5 Series, A74 5G, A54 6GB+128GB, A15s, A15 3GB, A16 3GB, OPPO Enco Buds, and OPPO Band B1.

The one-day only OPPO Mega Brand Day Sale will be packed with freebies, free shipping, discounts, and raffle prizes including P30,000 worth of cashback to five lucky winners during the livestream, and a special Lazada livestream giveaway of six Globe at Home gifts containing an LTE-Advanced Home Prepaid Wifi Modem + 3 months of 100GB Data.

To know more about the latest releases and the 11.11 OPPO Mega Brand Day Sale, visit OPPO's Facebook or Instagram page. #EveryEmotionInPortrait #OPPOReno6